U.S. patent application number 11/723475 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-27 for drum type washing machine and drying method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Daewoo Electronics Corporation. Invention is credited to Chang Hoo Kim.
Application Number | 20070220683 11/723475 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38103050 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070220683 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Chang Hoo |
September 27, 2007 |
Drum type washing machine and drying method thereof
Abstract
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device which is superior in
writing and charge holding properties, including a semiconductor
substrate in which a channel formation region is formed between a
pair of impurity regions formed with an interval, and a first
insulating layer, a floating gate, a second insulating layer, and a
control gate over an upper layer portion of the semiconductor
substrate. It is preferable that a band gap of a semiconductor
material forming the floating gate be smaller than that of the
semiconductor substrate. For example, it is preferable that the
band gap of the semiconductor material forming the floating gate be
smaller than that of the channel formation region in the
semiconductor substrate by 0.1 eV or more. This is because, by
decreasing the bottom energy level of a conduction band of the
floating gate electrode to be lower than that of the channel
formation region in the semiconductor substrate, carrier injecting
and charge holding properties are improved.
Inventors: |
Kim; Chang Hoo; (Gyeyang-gu,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE NATH LAW GROUP
112 South West Street
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
Daewoo Electronics
Corporation
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
38103050 |
Appl. No.: |
11/723475 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/158 ; 68/12.03;
68/20; 8/159 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 2103/38 20200201;
Y02B 40/00 20130101; D06F 2103/04 20200201; D06F 2103/32 20200201;
D06F 2105/46 20200201; D06F 2105/58 20200201; D06F 2101/20
20200201; D06F 25/00 20130101; D06F 58/38 20200201; D06F 58/46
20200201; D06F 2105/28 20200201; D06F 58/30 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/158 ; 68/12.03;
68/20; 8/159 |
International
Class: |
D06F 33/00 20060101
D06F033/00; D06F 29/00 20060101 D06F029/00; D06F 35/00 20060101
D06F035/00; D06F 39/00 20060101 D06F039/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 24, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-27154 |
Claims
1. A drum type washing machine comprising: a tub including a drum
into which laundry is put; a drum motor for rotating the drum; a
drying duct installed to communicate with the tub and to provide a
path through which air, heated by a drying heater that is installed
therein, flows; a blower installed at a side of the drying duct to
supply air heated by the drying heater to the tub through the
drying duct; a first temperature sensor installed in the drying
duct to detect temperature of air to be supplied to the tub; and a
microcomputer for dividing the temperature of air in the tub during
a drying cycle into a first temperature range and a second
temperature range, maintaining the temperature of air to be
supplied to the tub within the first and second temperature ranges
by controlling the drying heater during drying processes
corresponding to the first and second temperature ranges, and
controlling an RPM of the drum motor, when the first temperature
sensor detects temperature of the drying duct.
2. The drum type washing machine as set forth in claim 1, further
comprising a condenser for supplying condensing water to a wall of
a condensing duct disposed between the tub and the blower to
condense water vapor, in the wet condensing duct, formed during the
drying cycle.
3. The drum type washing machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein
the first temperature sensor is installed at a side of the tub.
4. The drum type washing machine as set forth in claim 1, further
comprising: a second temperature sensor for detecting temperature
in the tub and outputting the detected temperature to the
microcomputer, wherein the second temperature sensor is installed
is between the tub and the drum to control the RPM of the drum
motor based on the temperature detected by the second temperature
sensor.
5. A washing method of a drum type washing machine comprising the
steps of: (1) detecting temperature of air in a tub including a
drum and a drying duct communicating with the tub by a first
temperature sensor when a drying mode is selected; (2) controlling
a drying heater based on the temperature detected by the first
temperature sensor to heat air in the drying duct within a first
temperature range and to supply the heated air to the tub using a
blower; (3) supplying condensing water to a wall of a condensing
duct disposed between the tub and the blower to condense water
vapor in the drying duct; and (4) controlling the drying heater
based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor
to heat air in the drying duct within a second temperature range
such that the heated air is supplied to the tub by the blower.
6. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 5, wherein the step (1) comprises the sub-step of
measuring eccentricity of the drum and performing an detangling
cycle when the measure eccentricity is equal to or greater than a
predetermined reference eccentricity.
7. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 5, wherein the step (2) comprises the sub-steps of: (a)
driving a drum motor for rotating the drum within a first motor
driving range; and (b) driving the drum motor for rotating the drum
within a second motor driving range.
8. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 7, wherein the step (1) further comprises the sub-steps of
measuring the quantity of laundry when a completely drying mode is
selected from the drying modes and the sub-step (a) is finished,
and of estimating and displaying an expected remaining time of a
drying cycle according to the measured quantity of laundry.
9. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 7, wherein in the step (2), when temperature, detected by
a second temperature sensor for detecting inner temperature of the
tub, is equal to or greater than a reference temperature, only the
sub-step (b) among the sub-steps (a) and (b) is carried out.
10. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 9, wherein the reference temperature is 50 degrees
centigrade.
11. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 9, wherein in the step (2), a slope with respect to
temperature change in the tub, which is detected by the second
temperature sensor for detecting the inner temperature of the tub,
is estimated, and when the detected slope is equal to or greater
than a predetermined reference slope, the step (3) is carried
out.
12. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 9, wherein the sub-steps (a) and (b) are carried out for a
predetermined time within the first motor driving range and the
second motor driving range, respectively.
13. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 11, wherein the predetermined time is 20 minutes.
14. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 11, wherein the first motor driving range is 1000 RPM to
1200 RPM.
15. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 11, wherein the second motor driving range is 40 RPM to 60
RPM.
16. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 11, wherein the first temperature range is 110 degrees
centigrade to 120 degrees centigrade.
17. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 11, wherein the second temperature range is 95 degrees
centigrade to 105 degrees centigrade.
18. A washing method of a drum type washing machine comprising the
steps of: (1) detecting temperature in a tub by a second
temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the tub when a
drying mode is selected; (2) rotating a drum within a first motor
driving range for a first predetermined time by a drum motor for
rotating the drum when temperature detected by the second
temperature sensor is less than a reference temperature, and of
rotating the drum motor within a second motor driving range after
that and heating and supplying air in a drying duct within a first
temperature range by a drying heater and a blower which are
installed in the drying duct communicated with the tub for a second
predetermined time; (3) supplying condensing water to a wall of a
condensing duct disposed between the tub and the blower to condense
water vapor in the drying duct, when the second predetermined time
has elapsed; and (4) rotating the drum within the first motor
driving range by the drum motor for the first predetermined time
when the second predetermined time has elapsed, and of rotating the
drum motor within the second motor driving range and heating and
supplying air in the drying duct by the drying heater and the
blower for the second predetermined time.
19. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 18, wherein when the temperature, detected by the second
temperature sensor for detecting inner temperature of the tub, is
equal to or greater than a reference temperature, only step (4) is
carried out.
20. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 19, wherein the reference temperature is 50 degrees
centigrade.
21. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 18, wherein the first predetermined time is 10
minutes.
22. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 18, wherein the second predetermined time is 40
minutes.
23. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 18, wherein the first motor driving range is 1000 RPM to
1200 RPM.
24. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 18, wherein the second motor driving range is 40 RPM to 60
RPM.
25. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 18, wherein the first temperature range is 110 degrees
centigrade to 120 degrees centigrade.
26. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 18, wherein the second temperature range is 95 degrees
centigrade to 105 degrees centigrade.
27. The washing method of a drum type washing machine as set forth
in claim 19, wherein in the step (2), the drum motor is driven at
an allowable maximal RPM of the drum type washing machine.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a drum type washing
machine, and more particularly, to a drum type washing machine
having a short time for drying laundry and a drying method
thereof.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Generally, a drum type washing machine is designed such that
a cylindrical drum in a washing tub is rotated to drop laundry from
the upper side of the drum to the lower side of the drum to wash
the laundry during the rotation of the drum.
[0005] The drum type washing machine has properties such that
damage of the laundry caused by tangling of the laundry is
relatively less than that in a pulsator type washing machine and an
agitator type washing machine and the quantity of washing water
used in washing the laundry is relatively less than that in the
pulsator type washing machine and the agitator type washing
machine.
[0006] The drum type washing machine dries the laundry that is
completely washed using a dryer including a drying heater and a
blower fan and a condenser for, removing moisture in air by
condensing humidity in air. The drying process is as follows.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a drying cycle of a
conventional drum type washing machine.
[0008] In the conventional drying method of the drum type washing
machine, as shown in FIG. 1, when a user selects a drying mode
using a mode selection key (not shown) of a key panel installed in
the drum type washing machine (S10), whether or not a whole washing
cycle, including a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a
dehydrating cycle, is finished, is determined (S20).
[0009] At this time, if the whole washing cycle is not yet
finished, the remaining cycle is continued, or if the whole washing
cycle is finished, the drying cycle starts.
[0010] In the drying cycle, air in the drum is heated by the drying
heater of the dryer, the heater air is circulated within the drum
by the blower fan (S30) such that the high-temperature dry air
contacts the laundry to evaporate moisture contained in the
laundry, resulting in drying the laundry.
[0011] Simultaneously, the humidity, contained in the air due to
moisture separated from the laundry, is condensed by condensing
water introduced into the condenser (S40) and is exhausted out of
the drum type washing machine (S50).
[0012] Since air in the drum is heated and circulated during the
drying of the laundry, the conventional drying method can increase
drying efficiency of the laundry and it is possible to prevent
undesired power consumption and excessive use of condensing
water.
[0013] However, since the laundry is always dried at the same
temperature in the conventional drying method, the laundry may be
damaged as the drying cycle is carried out when the laundry is
dried at high temperature, and it may take a long time for drying
laundry when the laundry is dried at low temperature.
[0014] Moreover, since when the laundry is completely dried cannot
be detected, the drying cycle may be finished before the drying of
laundry is not yet finished, resulting in incomplete drying of the
laundry. Otherwise, the drying cycle is continued even after the
drying is finished so that the laundry may be damaged.
[0015] Thus, in order to prevent laundry from damage, the
conventional drying method dries the laundry at low temperature and
as a result, it takes a long time to dry laundry. Moreover, the
laundry may be incompletely dried so that the drying efficiency may
be deteriorated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of
the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to
provide a drying method of a drum type washing machine of
controlling temperature of air supplied into a drum, RPM of the
drum, and switching a drying heater on or off according to the
temperature of air to reduce time for drying laundry and a drum
type washing machine using the same.
[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
drying method of a drum type washing machine of preventing laundry
from damage due to heat of air and reducing power consumption by
switching a heater on or off and a drum type washing machine using
the same.
[0018] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the
above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a
drum type washing machine including a tub including a drum into
which laundry is put, a drum motor for rotating the drum, a drying
duct installed to communicate with the tub and to provide a path
through which air, heated by a drying heater that is installed
therein, flows, a blower installed at a side of the drying duct to
supply air heated by the drying heater to the tub through the
drying duct, a first temperature sensor installed in the drying
duct to detect temperature of air to be supplied to the tub, and a
microcomputer for dividing the temperature of air in the tub during
a drying cycle into a first temperature range and a second
temperature range, maintaining the temperature of air to be
supplied to the tub within the first and second temperature ranges
by controlling the drying heater during drying processes
corresponding to the first and second temperature ranges, and
controlling an RPM of the drum motor, when the first temperature
sensor detects temperature of the drying duct.
[0019] Moreover, the drum type washing machine further includes a
condenser for supplying condensing water to a wall of a condensing
duct disposed between the tub and the blower to condense water
vapor, in the wet condensing duct, formed during the drying cycle,
and the first temperature sensor is installed at a side of the
tub.
[0020] Additionally, the drum type washing machine further includes
a second temperature sensor for detecting temperature in the tub
and outputting the detected temperature to the microcomputer,
wherein the second temperature sensor is installed between the tub
and the drum to control the RPM of the drum motor based on the
temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.
[0021] A method of drying laundry according a first preferred
embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of (1)
detecting temperature in a tub by a second temperature sensor for
detecting the temperature in the tub when a drying mode is
selected, (2) rotating a drum within a first motor driving range
for a first predetermined time by a drum motor for rotating the
drum when temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is
less than a reference temperature, and of rotating the drum motor
within a second motor driving range after that and heating and
supplying air in a drying duct within a first temperature range by
a drying heater and a blower which are installed in the drying duct
communicated with the tub for a second predetermined time, (3)
supplying condensing water to a wall of a condensing duct disposed
between the tub and the blower to condense water vapor in the
drying duct, when the second predetermined time has elapsed, and
(4) rotating the drum within the first motor driving range by the
drum motor for the first predetermined time when the second
predetermined time has elapsed, and of rotating the drum motor
within the second motor driving range and heating and supplying air
in the drying duct by the drying heater and the blower for the
second predetermined time.
[0022] Preferably, when the temperature, detected by the second
temperature sensor for detecting inner temperature of the tub, is
equal to or greater than a reference temperature, preferably 50
degrees centigrade, only a sub-step (b) among sub-steps (a) and (b)
is carried out.
[0023] Here, the reference temperature is 50 degrees centigrade,
the first predetermined time is 10 minutes, the first motor driving
range is 1000 RPM to 1200 RPM, the second motor driving range is 40
RPM to 60 RPM, he first temperature range is 110 degrees centigrade
to 120 degrees centigrade, and the second temperature range is 95
degrees centigrade to 105 degrees centigrade.
[0024] In the step (2), the drum motor is driven at an allowable
maximal RPM of the drum type washing machine.
[0025] Each of methods of drying laundry according to second,
third, and fourth preferred embodiments of the present invention
includes the steps of (1) detecting temperature of air in a tub
including a drum and a drying duct communicating with the tub by a
first temperature sensor when a drying mode is selected, (2)
controlling a drying heater based on the temperature detected by
the first temperature sensor to heat air in the drying duct within
a first temperature range and to supply the heated air to the tub
using a blower, (3) supplying condensing water to a wall of a
condensing duct disposed between the tub and the blower to condense
water vapor in the drying duct, and (4) controlling the drying
heater based on the temperature detected by the first temperature
sensor to heat air in the drying duct within a second temperature
range such that the heated air is supplied to the tub by the
blower.
[0026] The step (1) includes the sub-step of measuring eccentricity
of the drum and performing an detangling cycle when the measure
eccentricity is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference
eccentricity.
[0027] The step (2) includes the sub-steps of (a) driving a drum
motor for rotating the drum within a first motor driving range, and
(b) driving the drum motor within a second motor driving range. The
step (1) further includes the sub-steps of measuring the quantity
of laundry when a completely drying mode is selected from the
drying modes and the sub-step (a) is finished, and of estimating
and displaying an expected remaining time of a drying cycle
according to the measured quantity of laundry.
[0028] Preferably, in the step (2), when temperature, detected by a
second temperature sensor for detecting inner temperature of the
tub, is equal to or greater than a reference temperature,
preferably 50 degrees centigrade, only the sub-step (b) among the
sub-steps (a) and (b) is carried out.
[0029] Moreover, in the step (2), a slope with respect to
temperature change in the tub, which is detected by the second
temperature sensor for detecting the inner temperature of the tub,
is estimated, and when the detected slope is equal to or greater
than a predetermined reference slope, the step (3) is carried
out.
[0030] Preferably, the sub-steps (a) and (b) are carried out for a
predetermined time within the first motor driving range and the
second motor driving range, respectively.
[0031] Here, the first motor driving range is 1000 RPM to 1200 RPM,
the second motor driving range is 40 RPM to 60 RPM, the first
temperature range is 110 degrees centigrade to 120 degrees
centigrade, and the second temperature range is 95 degrees
centigrade to 105 degrees centigrade.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The above and other objects, features and other advantages
of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a drying cycle of a
conventional drum type washing machine;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating a drum type washing
machine according a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the drum type washing
machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a drying cycle of a drum
type washing machine according to a first preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0037] FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts illustrating respective drying
cycles in FIG. 4;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a drying cycle of a drum
type washing machine according to a second preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0039] FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 are flowcharts illustrating respective
drying cycles in FIG. 6;
[0040] FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating the relation between
temperature and time during the drying cycle of the drum type
washing machine according to the second preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0041] FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating the relation between
temperature and time with respect to the quantity of laundry during
the drying cycle of the drum type washing machine according to the
second preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a drying cycle of a drum
type washing machine according to a third preferred embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0043] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a drying cycle of a drum
type washing machine according to a fourth preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE
DRAWINGS
[0044] 100: drum type washing machine [0045] 112: drying duct
[0046] 114: air discharging part [0047] 115: first temperature
sensor [0048] 116: condensing duct [0049] 118: condenser [0050]
120: drier [0051] 121: blower [0052] 122: drying heater [0053] 130:
drum [0054] 131: tub [0055] 132: second temperature sensor [0056]
140: drum motor [0057] 152: exhaust pipe [0058] 160: microcomputer
[0059] 180: display
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0060] Hereinafter, a drum type washing machine and a method of
drying laundry according to preferred embodiments of the present
invention will be described in detail by reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0061] FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating a drum type washing
machine according a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
and FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the drum type washing
machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0062] The drum type washing machine 100 according to the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, washes
laundry by rotating a cylindrical drum within a washing tub and by
dropping the laundry from the upper side of the drum to the lower
side of the drum. The drum type washing machine 100 includes a
housing 111 for forming an external appearance of the drum type
washing machine 100, a tub 131 installed in the housing 111, a drum
130 rotated within the tub 131 to serve as the washing tub, a drum
motor installed in the rear side of the drum 130 to rotate the drum
130, a drier 120 for drying the laundry, and a condenser 118 for
removing moisture contained in internal air.
[0063] Above the tub 131, a washing water supplying pipe 105 is
provided to supply washing water from the exterior, and the washing
water that is supplied through the washing water supplying pipe 105
is supplied into the tub 131 via a detergent container 106 for
accommodating detergent. In the lower side of the tub 131, an
exhaust pump 151 and an exhaust pipe 152 are provided to exhaust
the washing water, used during the washing process, to the
exterior. Moreover, in order to put or withdraw the laundry into or
from the drum 130, a door 102 is installed in the front side of the
drum type washing machine 100. Here, the front side means the left
side in FIG. 2 and the rear side means the right side in FIG.
2.
[0064] Meanwhile, although not depicted in the drawings, in the
circumference and the rear side of the drum 130, a plurality of
holes is formed such that the washing water and air may flow
therethrough. Through the holes formed in the drum 130, air in the
drum 130 flows into a space formed between the drum 130 and the tub
131.
[0065] In the drum type washing machine 100 according to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention, after a washing
process is finished by repeating a washing cycle and a dehydrating
cycle, the drier 120 jets warm air into the drum 130 to dry the
laundry. In other words, the drier 120 heats and circulates air in
order to dry the laundry in the drum 130.
[0066] The drier 120 includes a drying heater 122 as a heating
device for heating air and a blower for circulating air heated by
the drying heater 122. The blower includes a blower fan motor (not
shown) and a blower fan (not shown). The blower fan motor is driven
to rotate the blower fan such that air heated by the drying heater
122 as described above is supplied into the tub 131 via the drying
duct 112 when a drying cycle is carried out.
[0067] Moreover, the drier 120 includes a drying duct 112 for
providing a path through which the heated air flows into the tub
131 and an air discharging part 114 communicated with the inside of
the tub 131. An end 123 of the drying duct 112 is opened such that
the heated air flows into the tub 131. Here, the end 123 of the
drying duct 112 may be installed to allow the heated air to flow
into the drum 130.
[0068] In the drying duct 112, a first temperature sensor 115 is
installed to detect temperature of air heated by the drying heater
112 and to output a detected data to a microcomputer 160 shown in
FIG. 3. As described above, since temperature of the heater air may
be stably and precisely detected at the air discharging part 114,
the first temperature sensor 115 is preferably installed at a side
of the tub 131, that is, a side of the air discharging part
114.
[0069] Thus, the drying heater 122 and the blower 121 of the drier
120 are turned on or off, according to a control signal outputted
from the microcomputer 160 caused by the detected data that is
inputted from the first temperature sensor 115, to perform the
drying cycle in the washing machine of the present invention. This
will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3.
[0070] Additionally, the drying heater 122 is installed in the
drying duct 112 between the blower 121 and an air introducing port
123. As the drying heater 122, an electric heater for generating
heat using electric current is used, and temperature of the drying
heater 122 is controlled by a thermistor 125 that is installed in
the air discharging part 114.
[0071] Meanwhile, during the above-described drying cycle of the
laundry, moisture must be removed so that smooth drying can be
achieved. If high temperature air contacts a low temperature
object, moisture in air is liquefied so that moisture contained in
air in the drum 130 is removed.
[0072] The condenser 118 is disposed between the blower 121 and the
tub 131 to remove moisture from the heated air using the principle
as described above. In other words, the condenser 118 is connected
to the washing water supplying pipe 105 that is installed in the
upper side of the drum type washing machine 100 through which
condensing water, supplied through a condensing water supplying
pipe 113, can flow toward a wall of a condensing duct 116 such that
high-temperature-and-high-humidity air in the condensing duct 116
contacts the condensing water with a relative lower temperature so
that water vapor is condensed, resulting in removing moisture in
the drum 130.
[0073] Moreover, between the tub 131 and the drum 130, a second
temperature sensor is installed to detect washing temperature. The
second temperature sensor 132 detects temperature of air in the tub
131 and outputs detected data to the microcomputer 160. The
microcomputer 160 performs the drying cycle according to the
detected data inputted from the second temperature sensor 132.
[0074] In other words, the drum type washing machine 100 according
to this preferred embodiment of the present invention supplies the
heated air from the drying duct 112 to the tub 131 for drying the
laundry, and air discharged from the tub passes through the
condensing duct 116 and meets the condensing water, and then is
liquefied into water. The liquefied water is exhausted out through
the exhaust pipe 151 via the lower side of the tub 131.
[0075] Moreover, the drum type washing machine 100 includes an air
discharging part 114 for discharging humid air to the exterior. In
order to discharge air in the tub 131 to the exterior, a side of
the air discharging part 114 is communicated with the tub 131 and
the other side 117a of the air discharging part 114 is communicated
with the exterior. At an end of the other side of the air
discharging part 114, an extension part 117 where a fan (not shown)
driven by a motor (not shown) is installed and a filter 119 is
installed in the extension part 117.
[0076] Finally, the display 180 displays key manipulations
performed by a user, key manipulation result, and time of
manipulation result. In this preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the display 180 is structured to display an expected
remaining time of the drying cycle that is estimated by the
microcomputer 170 such that the user can confirm time of finishing
the drying cycle, when the user selects a complete mode among the
drying mode through key input section 170.
[0077] For reference, the drying mode is divided into a complete
drying mode and a time drying mode. The complete drying mode is a
mode where the drying cycle is continued until the laundry is
completely dried, and the time drying mode is a mode where the
drying mode is carried out only for a predetermined time. In the
complete drying mode, it is advantageous that the drying cycle is
carried out until the laundry is completely dried, but it takes a
lot of time for the complete drying of the laundry and a great deal
of electric power is required. On the other hand, the time drying
mode has advantages and disadvantages opposite to those of the
complete drying mode.
[0078] The microcomputer 160 of the drum type washing machine, as
shown in FIG. 3, determines whether or not temperature of air in
the tub 131 that is inputted from the second temperature sensor 132
is equal to or greater than a reference temperature when the user
selects the drying mode through the key input section 170 of the
drum type washing machine 100. The microcomputer 160 performs the
corresponding drying process according to whether or not the
inputted air temperature is equal to or greater than the reference
temperature, and controls the drum motor 140 and the drier 120 to
perform the drying process of the present invention during
respective drying processes.
[0079] The operation of the microcomputer 160 will be described in
detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11 illustrating the drying
method according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0080] For reference, the drying method of the drum type washing
machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention is roughly divided into a main drying step and an
auxiliary drying step. The preferred embodiments of the present
invention will be described in detail according to whether the drum
motor 140 is rotated at high speed within a first motor driving
range and the drying heater 122 supplies heat simultaneously or for
a time interval, based on an allowable current when the user
selects the drying mode through the key input section 170.
[0081] For reference, in a case of rotating the drum motor 140 at
high speed within the first motor driving range and supplying heat
by the drying heater 122 simultaneously, the allowable current must
be 15 A. However, in a case of rotating the drum motor 140 at high
speed within the first motor driving range and supplying heat by
the drying heater 122 for a time interval, 10 A is sufficient for
the allowable current.
[0082] Here, a first preferred embodiment of the present invention
of performing the high speed rotation of the drum motor 140 and the
heat supply by the drying heater 122 for a time interval will be
described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6.
[0083] Moreover, second, third and fourth preferred embodiments of
the present invention of simultaneously performing the high speed
rotation of the drum motor 140 and the heat supply by the drying
heater 122 are carried out differently from each other according to
mode selected from the completely drying mode and the time drying
mode. FIGS. 7 to 12 illustrate the second preferred embodiment of
the present invention carried out by selecting the completely
drying mode, FIG. 13 illustrates the third preferred embodiment of
the present invention carried out by selecting the time drying
mode, and FIG. 14 illustrates the fourth preferred embodiment of
the present invention of performing the auxiliary drying step and
the main drying step according to a magnitude of a slope by
estimating the slope with respect to temperature changes.
[0084] On the other hand, the first preferred embodiment of the
present invention can be applied to the completely drying mode and
the time drying mode like the second, third, and fourth preferred
embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates the
completely drying mode, and the same description as that of the
time drying mode will be omitted.
1. Embodiment 1
[0085] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the drying cycle of the
drum type washing machine according to the first preferred
embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are
flowcharts illustrating respective drying cycles in FIG. 4.
[0086] The drying method of a drum type washing machine according
to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is a
method in which heat is not applied to the laundry when the drum
motor 140 is driven with the first motor driving range, but in
which heat is applied when the drum motor 140 is driven within a
second motor driving range after that. As shown in FIG. 4, the user
firstly selects the drying mode through the key input section 170
(S710), and selects the completely drying mode of the drying modes,
and then an eccentricity is measured (S720).
[0087] There are several methods of measuring the eccentricity, one
of estimating duty of a pulse width modulation (PWM) control
signal, and the other one of measuring time required to reach and
fall from a specific RPM related to the quantity of laundry and
current flowing through the motor. Since these methods can be
easily employed by a person skilled in the art, their description
will be omitted herein.
[0088] Meanwhile, when the eccentricity is measured, the measured
eccentricity is compared with a predetermined reference
eccentricity. Whether the measured eccentricity is equal to or
greater than the reference eccentricity is determined (S730), and
when the measured eccentricity is equal to or greater than the
reference eccentricity, a detangling cycle is performed (S735) to
adjust the eccentricity.
[0089] On the contrary, when the measured eccentricity is less than
the reference eccentricity, the detangling cycle is not carried out
and the second temperature sensor 132 detects temperature in the
tub 131 (S740) to output the detected data to the microcomputer
160. The microcomputer 160 determines whether or not the measured
temperature in the tub 131 is equal to or greater than a reference
temperature, preferably, 50 degrees centigrade, based on the
detected data (S750).
[0090] At this time, when the temperature in the tub 131 is less
than the reference temperature, the auxiliary drying step (S760) is
carried out, but when the temperature in the tub 131 is equal to or
greater than the reference temperature, the supplying of condensing
water and the exhaust of water (S770) and processes after these
processes are carried out.
[0091] Particularly, that the second temperature sensor 132 detects
the inner temperature of the tub 131 and the detected temperature
is compared with the reference temperature such that the next
processes are carried out, is to prevent the laundry from damage
when air heated in the auxiliary drying step is supplied because
the laundry is sufficiently heated when the inner temperature of
the tub 131 is equal to or greater than the reference temperature,
and to perform a power failure compensation when the electricity is
cut off during the drying cycle.
[0092] For example, since, although the electricity is cut off
during the drying cycle, temperature in the tub 131 does not
rapidly fall, when temperature detected by the second temperature
sensor 132 when the power is supplied again is equal to or greater
than the reference temperature, the auxiliary drying step is not
carried out and the processes after detecting the quantity of
laundry is carried out so that power consumption for repeating the
same process can be prevented.
[0093] Additionally, during a first auxiliary drying process, if
the user stops the drum type washing machine and commands to
perform the drying cycle again, since the inner temperature of the
tub 131 is sufficiently high when the auxiliary drying step is
carried out at the state where the temperature detected by the
second temperature sensor 132 is equal to or greater than the
reference temperature, excessive heat is applied to the laundry and
as a result of this, the laundry may be damaged. In order to
prevent this, when temperature detected by the second temperature
sensor 132 is equal to or greater than the reference temperature,
the auxiliary drying step is not carried out and the processes
after that, that is, the supply of the condensing water and the
exhaust of water are carried out.
[0094] Meanwhile, when the inner temperature of the tub 131 is less
than the reference temperature, the auxiliary drying step is
carried out (S760). In the auxiliary drying step according to the
first preferred embodiment of the present invention, differently
from those according to the second, third, and fourth preferred
embodiments of the present invention which will be described later,
the drum motor 140 is driven within a first motor driving range,
1000 RPM to 1200 RPM and a second motor driving range, 40 RPM to 60
RPM for a time interval, and when the drum motor 140 is driven
within the second motor driving range, the drying heater 122 and
the blower fan are driven within a temperature range where
temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 151 is within
the first temperature range.
[0095] Meanwhile, the first motor driving range may be variously
determined according to models of the drum type washing machine.
The first motor driving range is increased as the capacity of the
drum type washing machine is increased. Particularly, the drum
motor 140 is driven at a maximal RPM allowed in the corresponding
drum type washing machine.
[0096] Thus, the drum motor 140 of the drum type washing machine is
preferably driven, for example, at the allowable maximal RPM, 1200
RPM when the drum type is of an 11 Kg model, and at 1400 RPM when
the drum type washing machine is of a 14 Kg model.
[0097] When the drum motor 140 is driven within the first motor
driving range, it is possible to obtain dehydration effect at high
speed rotation. However, when the drum motor 140 is driven within
the second motor driving range and the drying heater 122 is driven,
the laundry is heated to a temperature where the laundry is easily
dried.
[0098] In other words, as shown in FIG. 5, when the drum motor 140
is driven such that the inner temperature of the tub 131 is
maintained within the first motor driving range (S761), whether or
not a first predetermined time, preferably, 10 minutes has elapsed
is determined (S762), the drum motor 140 is continuously driven
within the first motor driving range until the first predetermined
time has elapsed.
[0099] At this time, when the first predetermined time has elapsed,
the quantity of laundry is detected (S763), and the expected
remaining time of the drying cycle is estimated through the
detected quantity of laundry and displayed (S764).
[0100] When the expected remaining time of the drying cycle is
displayed, the drum motor 140 is driven such that the inner
temperature of the tub 131 is maintained within the second motor
driving range and the drying heater 122 and the blower fan are
driven (S765).
[0101] Simultaneously, time is counted and whether or not a second
predetermined time, preferably, 40 minutes has elapsed is
determined (S766), and it is continued until the second
predetermined time has elapsed.
[0102] When the auxiliary drying step is finished, the supply of
condensing water and the exhaust process are started such that the
condensing water is supplied through the condensing water supplying
pipe 113 to remove moisture contained in air during the condensing
process, and the condensed water is exhausted to the exterior
through the exhaust pipe 152 via the lower side of the tub 131
(S770).
[0103] When the supply of condensing water and the exhaust process
are started, the main drying step is performed (S780). In the main
drying step, as shown in FIG. 6, the drum motor 140 is driven
within the first motor driving range (S781) and whether or not the
first predetermined time, 10 minutes, has elapsed is determined
(S782) such that the drum motor 140 is driven within the first
motor driving range until the first predetermined time has
elapsed.
[0104] When the first predetermined time has elapsed, the drum
motor 140 is driven within the second motor driving range and the
blower fan and the drying heater 122 are driven such that the
temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 151 is
maintained within the second temperature range (S783).
[0105] The above-described processes are carried out until a
specific drying rate where it can be determined that the laundry is
completely dried (S780 to S790).
[0106] Meanwhile, differently from the completely drying mode,
since time for drying cycle is predetermined in the drying method
according to the time drying mode so that it is not need to
estimate the expected remaining time of the drying cycle, the
process of detecting the quantity of laundry, estimating and
displaying the expected remaining time of the drying cycle is not
carried out and a complete drying cycle is finished when the time
of the drying cycle has elapsed during the main drying step.
2. Embodiment 2
[0107] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a drying cycle of a drum
type washing machine according to a second preferred embodiment of
the present invention, FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 are flowcharts
illustrating respective drying cycles in FIG. 7, FIG. 11 is a graph
illustrating the relation between temperature and time during the
drying cycle of the drum type washing machine according to the
second preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12
is a graph illustrating the relation between temperature and time
with respect to the quantity of laundry during the drying cycle of
the drum type washing machine according to the second preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0108] The drying method of a drum type washing machine according
to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention
includes the steps of selecting the drying mode through the key
input section 170 by the user (S110), and measuring the
eccentricity when the user selects the completely drying mode of
the drying modes (S120).
[0109] As described above, when the eccentricity is measured, the
measured eccentricity is compared with the predetermined
eccentricity and whether or not the measured eccentricity is equal
to or greater than the reference eccentricity is determined (S130).
When the measured eccentricity is equal to or greater than the
reference eccentricity, the detangling process is carried out
(S132) to adjust the eccentricity.
[0110] On the contrary, when the measured eccentricity is less than
the reference eccentricity, the detangling process is not carried
out.
[0111] Next, the second temperature sensor 132 detects the inner
temperature of the tub 131 (S140) and outputs the detected data to
the microcomputer 160. The microcomputer 160 determines whether the
detected data, that is, the inner temperature of the tub 131 is
equal to or greater than the reference temperature, preferably, 50
degrees centigrade (S150).
[0112] At this time, when the inner temperature of the tub 131 is
less than the reference temperature, the first auxiliary drying
process is carried out. However, when the inner temperature of the
tub 131 is equal to or greater than the reference temperature, the
first auxiliary drying process is not carried out and the process
of detecting the quantity of laundry (S180) and the processes after
that are carried out.
[0113] Particularly, that the second temperature sensor 132 detects
the inner temperature of the tub 131 and the detected temperature
is compared with the reference temperature such that the next
processes are carried out based on the compared result, is to
prevent the laundry from damage when air heated in the auxiliary
drying step is supplied because the laundry is sufficiently heated
when the inner temperature of the tub 131 is equal to or greater
than the reference temperature, and to perform a power failure
compensation when the electricity is cut off during the drying
cycle.
[0114] For example, since, although the electricity is interrupted
due to electricity failure during the drying cycle, temperature in
the tub 131 does not rapidly fall, when temperature detected by the
second temperature sensor 132 when the power is supplied again is
equal to or greater than the reference temperature, the first
auxiliary drying process is not carried out and the processes after
detecting the quantity of laundry are carried out so that power
consumption for repeating the same process can be prevented.
[0115] Additionally, during the first auxiliary drying process, if
the user stops the drum type washing machine and commands to
perform the drying cycle again, since the inner temperature of the
tub 131 is sufficiently high when the first auxiliary drying
process is carried out at the state where the temperature detected
by the second temperature sensor 132 is equal to or greater than
the reference temperature, excessive heat is applied to the laundry
and as a result of this, the laundry may be damaged.
[0116] In order to prevent this, when temperature detected by the
second temperature sensor 132 is equal to or greater than the
reference temperature, the first auxiliary drying process is not
carried out and the processes after that, that is, the supply of
the condensing water and the exhaust of water are carried out.
[0117] Meanwhile, in the first auxiliary drying process (S160), as
shown in FIG. 8, the drum motor 140 is driven within the first
motor driving range, preferably, within 1000 RPM to 1200 RPM and
the drying heater 122 and the blower 121 are driven (S161). Here,
the drum motor 140 starts to drive within the first motor driving
range and as time is simultaneously counted.
[0118] As such, as the drum motor 140 is driven at high speed and
the drying heater 122 and the blower 121 are driven, air in the
drying duct 112 is heated by the drying heater 122 and the heated
air is supplied into the tub 131 through the air discharging part
114 by the blower 121.
[0119] Thus, since the heated air is supplied while the drum motor
140 rotates at high speed, the washing water is dehydrated from the
laundry which is heated at temperature where moisture is easily
separated.
[0120] Meanwhile, the first temperature sensor 115 detects
temperature of air heated by the drying heater 122 and outputs the
detected temperature to the microcomputer 160. The microcomputer
160 controls the temperature of air heated by the drying heater 122
so as to maintain it within the predetermined first temperature
range T2 to T1.
[0121] In other words, the first temperature sensor 115 detects the
temperature of air heated by the drying heater 122 and continues to
output the detected temperature of air to the microcomputer 160.
The microcomputer 160 determines whether or not the detected data,
that is, the detected temperature inputted from the first
temperature sensor 115 is greater than the predetermined
temperature T1 (S163). When the temperature of air is greater than
the first predetermined temperature T1, preferably, 120 degrees
centigrade, the microcomputer 160 stops the drying heater 122
(S165) and determines whether the detected data is equal to or less
than the second predetermined temperature T2 after stopping the
drying heater 122 (S167). After that, when the air temperature is
equal to or less than the predetermined temperature T2, preferably,
110 degrees centigrade caused by the stopping of the drying heater
122, the microcomputer 160 repeats the process of driving the
drying heater 122 (S169). Thus, during the first auxiliary drying
process, temperature of air supplied to the tub 131 is maintained
within the first temperature range T2 to T1, that is, 110 degrees
centigrade to 120 degrees centigrade.
[0122] After the beginning of the first auxiliary drying process,
whether or not a predetermined time t1, preferably, 20 minutes has
elapsed is determined, the first auxiliary drying process is
continued until the predetermined time t1 has elapsed.
[0123] For reference, when the first auxiliary drying process
(S160) is finished, it is possible to obtain approximately 60%
drying effect based on the quantity of 10 Kg of laundry.
[0124] Meanwhile, when the first auxiliary drying process (S160) is
finished or temperature of the tub 131 detected by the second
temperature sensor 132 is less than the reference temperature, the
first auxiliary drying process is not carried out and the process
of detecting the quantity of laundry (S170) is carried out. At this
time, from experimental data obtained from repeated experiments,
the expected remaining time of the drying cycle corresponding to
the detected quantity of laundry is estimated and displayed on the
display 180 (S180).
[0125] In other words, the quantity of laundry is detected by
detecting the humidity of the laundry after driving the drum motor
140 within the first motor driving range. By taking the dehydration
rate similarly appeared at a specific RPM into consideration, the
drying time at the weight of laundry is displayed as an
experimental value to obtain the expected remaining time of the
drying cycle. Particularly, the detected quantity of laundry may be
used as a reference data by taking the dehydration rate similarly
appeared at a specific RPM into consideration when whether or not
the laundry is completely dried is checked.
[0126] As such, when the expected remaining time of the drying
cycle is displayed, a second auxiliary drying process is carried
out as a next process (S190).
[0127] In the second auxiliary drying process (S190), as shown in
FIG. 9, the drum motor 140 is driven at the second motor driving
range, 40 RPM to 60 RPM (S191), and the drying heater 122 and the
blower 121 are driven (S191). Here, the drum motor 140 starts to
drive within the second motor driving range and simultaneously
counts time.
[0128] As such, as the drum motor 140 is driven at low speed and
the drying heater 122 and the blower 121 are driven, air in the
drying duct 112 is heated by the drying heater 122 and the heated
air is introduced into the tub 131 through the air discharging part
114 by the blower 121.
[0129] Thus, since the drum motor 140 rotates at low speed and the
heated air is supplied, the washing water is separated from the
laundry and simultaneously temperature is increased to a degree
where the moisture is easily extracted from the humid laundry.
[0130] Meanwhile, the first temperature sensor 115 detects
temperature of air heated by the drying heater 122 and outputs the
detected temperature of air to the microcomputer 160. The
microcomputer 160 controls temperature of air heated by the drying
heater 122 to be maintained within the first temperature range T2
to T1.
[0131] In other words, the first temperature sensor 115 detects the
temperature of air heated by the drying heater 122 and continues to
output the detected temperature of air to the microcomputer 160.
The microcomputer 160 determines whether or not the detected data,
that is, the detected temperature inputted from the first
temperature sensor 115 is greater than the predetermined
temperature T1 (S193). When the temperature of air is greater than
the first predetermined temperature T1, the microcomputer 160 stops
the drying heater 122 (S195) and determines whether the detected
data is equal to or less than the second predetermined temperature
T2 after stopping the drying heater 122 (S197). After that, when
the air temperature is equal to or less than the predetermined
temperature T2 caused by the stopping of the drying heater 122, the
microcomputer 160 repeats the process of driving the drying heater
122 (S199) again. Thus, during the second auxiliary drying process,
temperature of air supplied to the tub 131 is maintained within the
first temperature range, that is, 110 degrees centigrade to 120
degrees centigrade.
[0132] After the beginning of the first auxiliary drying process,
whether or not a predetermined time t2, preferably, 20 minutes has
elapsed is determined, the first auxiliary drying process is
continued until the predetermined time t2 has elapsed. Thus, to
carry out the first auxiliary drying process and the second
auxiliary drying process, it takes about 40 minutes.
[0133] Here, the reason why the predetermined time t2 is set to 20
minutes and time until the second auxiliary drying process is
finished is set to 40 minutes, is that it takes 40 minutes until
the second auxiliary drying process is finished according to a
curve of a reference temperature experimentally performed with
respect to a general quantity of 10 Kg of laundry. The determined
time t2 can be variously determined.
[0134] As described above, since the drum type washing machine is
driven within the first temperature range for the time periods when
the first and second auxiliary drying processes are carried out, as
illustrated in FIG. 11, temperature suddenly rises a little during
the predetermined times t1 and t2. On the other hand, in a time
period where the main drying step is carried out after that, since
the drum type washing machine is driven according to the second
temperature range, temperature is maintained to have a relatively
slow slope.
[0135] When the predetermined time t2 has elapsed and the second
auxiliary drying process (S190) is finished, the supply of the
condensing water and the exhaust of water are carried out.
[0136] The condensing water, as described above, is supplied
through the condensing water supplying pipe 113 by a valve for
controlling the supply of the condensing water and moisture
contained in air is removed during the condensing process. The
condensed water is exhausted to the exterior through the exhaust
pipe 152 via the lower side of the tub 131.
[0137] As such, after the beginning of the supply of the condensing
water and the exhaust of water, the main drying step (S210) is
carried out.
[0138] In the main drying step (S210), as shown in FIG. 10, the
drum motor 140 is driven within the second motor driving range,
preferably, 40 RPM to 60 RPM, and the drying heater 122 and the
blower 121 are driven (S211).
[0139] As such, as the drum motor 140 is driven at low speed and
the drying heater 122 and the blower 121 are driven, air in the
drying duct 112 is heated by the drying heater 122 and the heated
air is introduced into the tub 131 through the air discharging part
114 by the blower 121.
[0140] Thus, the drum motor 140 rotates at low speed and the heated
air is supplied. Since the laundry is heated at temperature
suitable to dry during the first and second auxiliary processes,
the laundry is easily dried.
[0141] Meanwhile, the first temperature sensor 115 detects
temperature of air heated by the drying heater 122 and outputs the
detected temperature of air to the microcomputer 160. The
microcomputer 160 controls temperature of air heated by the drying
heater 122 to be maintained within a second temperature range T4 to
T3, preferably, 95 degrees centigrade to 105 degrees
centigrade.
[0142] In other words, the first temperature sensor 115 detects the
temperature of air heated by the drying heater 122 and continues to
output the detected temperature of air to the microcomputer 160.
The microcomputer 160 determines whether or not the detected data,
that is, the detected temperature inputted from the first
temperature sensor 115 is greater than the predetermined
temperature T3, that is, 105 degrees centigrade (S213). When the
temperature of air is greater than the predetermined temperature
T3, the microcomputer 160 stops the drying heater 122 (S215) and
determines whether the detected data is equal to or less than the
predetermined temperature T4, that is, 95 degrees centigrade after
stopping the drying heater 122 (S217). After that, when the air
temperature is equal to or less than the predetermined temperature
T4 caused by the stopping of the drying heater 122, the
microcomputer 160 repeats the process of driving the drying heater
122. Thus, during the main drying step, temperature of air supplied
to the tub 131 is maintained within 95 degrees centigrade to 105
degrees centigrade.
[0143] After the beginning of the main drying step, it is
determined whether or not the expected remaining time of the drying
cycle, by detecting the quantity of laundry, has elapsed (S220),
and the main drying step is continued until the expected remaining
time has elapsed.
[0144] Meanwhile, when the expected remaining time of the drying
cycle has elapsed, it is determined whether or not a drying rate
reaches a specific drying rate indicating the completion of drying.
When the drying rate reaches the specific drying rate, the drying
cycle is finished. When the drying rate does not reach the specific
drying rate, the main drying step (S210) is preferably carried out
for a predetermined time, for example, 10 minutes to 20
minutes.
[0145] The drying method according to this preferred embodiment of
the present invention, as shown in FIG. 12, may be carried out in
various ways according to the quantity of laundry. As described
above, according to the quantity of laundry, time when the second
auxiliary drying process is finished is different from time when
the main drying step is started. The slopes with respect to the
temperature change during the first and second auxiliary drying
processes are different from each other.
[0146] In other words, as the quantity of laundry is small, the
slope with respect to the temperature change until the second
auxiliary drying process increases and time of starting the main
drying step is shortened.
[0147] Particularly, since the expected remaining time is varied
according to a range of the respective quantities of laundry, it is
possible to determine a completion time A of the drying cycle when
the completion of drying is achieved from the above-mentioned
graph, that is, the completely drying time can be determined from
the time period where temperature suddenly rises after the complete
drying.
3. Embodiment 3
[0148] Next, a drying method according to a third preferred
embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 13.
[0149] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a drying cycle of a drum
type washing machine according to the third preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0150] The drying method of a drum type washing machine according
to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention is
similar as that according to the second preferred embodiment of the
present invention. However, the drying method according to the
third preferred embodiment of the present invention relates a
drying method in a case of selecting the time drying mode different
from the case of selecting the completely drying mode when the user
selects the drying mode in the first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0151] Thus, it will be described in brief with respect to the same
as that in the second preferred embodiment of the present
invention, and other aspects will be described in detail.
[0152] Firstly, when the user selects the drying mode (S310) and
after that selects the time drying mode, the eccentricity of
laundry is measured (S320). When the measured eccentricity is equal
to or greater than the reference eccentricity, the detangling cycle
is carried out (S332). When the measured eccentricity is less than
the reference eccentricity, the detangling cycle is not carried out
and the second temperature sensor 132 detects temperature of air in
the tub 131 (S340) and outputs the detected temperature.
[0153] It is determined whether or not the temperature detected by
the second temperature sensor 132 is equal to or greater than a
reference temperature, preferably, 50 degrees centigrade (S350).
When the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 132
is less than the reference temperature, the first auxiliary drying
process (S360) is carried out for the predetermined time t1 within
the first motor driving range of 1000 RPM to 1200 RPM (S360 to
S370).
[0154] On the contrary, when the temperature detected by the second
temperature sensor 132 is equal to or greater than the reference
temperature, the first auxiliary drying process (S360) is not
carried out but the processes after the first auxiliary drying
process (S360) are carried out.
[0155] Next, the second auxiliary drying process (S370) is carried
out. In the second auxiliary drying process (S370), a process of
drying laundry is carried out until the predetermined time t2 has
elapsed by driving the drum motor 140 within the second motor
driving range, preferably, 40 RPM to 60 RPM and maintaining
temperature of air to be supplied to the tub 131 at the first
temperature range T2 to T1.
[0156] As such, when the second auxiliary drying process (S370) is
carried out, the supply of the condensing water and the exhaust of
water are carried out (S380). Simultaneously, the drum motor 140 is
driven within the second motor driving range of 40 RPM to 60 RPM
and temperature of air to be supplied to the tub 131 is maintained
within the second temperature range T4 to T3, preferably, 95
degrees centigrade to 105 degrees centigrade so that the main
drying step (S390) of drying laundry is carried out according to
the time drying mode until the drying time has elapsed (S400).
[0157] In the drying method according to third preferred embodiment
of the present invention, the drying time is set and the drying
process is carried out only for the drying time. Thus, the process
of obtaining the expected remaining time of the drying cycle by
detecting the quantity of laundry is not carried out unlike the
second preferred embodiment of the present invention, and it is not
determined whether or not the laundry is completely dried.
Therefore, when the predetermined drying time has elapsed, the
drying process is finished by force.
4. Embodiment 4
[0158] A drying method according to a fourth preferred embodiment
of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
14.
[0159] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a drying cycle of a drum
type washing machine according to the fourth preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
[0160] In the drying method according to the fourth preferred
embodiment of the present invention, when the drum motor 140 is
driven without performing the first and second auxiliary drying
processes for the predetermined times t1 and t2 unlike the second
and third preferred embodiments of the present invention, a slope
is estimated with respect to temperature change detected by the
second temperature sensor 132, and the first and second auxiliary
drying processes are carried out based on the magnitude of the
slope and a starting time of the main drying step is
determined.
[0161] Particularly, since the drying method according to this
preferred embodiment of the present invention can be applied
without determining whether the drying mode is the completely
drying mode or the time drying mode, the drying method according to
this preferred embodiment of the present invention will be
described with respect to, for example, a case of selecting the
completely drying mode. Since the case of selecting the time drying
mode is similar as that of the completely drying mode and has been
described in the third preferred embodiment of the present
invention, its detail description will be omitted herein.
[0162] In the drying method of a drum type washing machine
according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present
invention, as shown in FIG. 14, when the user selects the
completely drying mode after selection of the time drying mode
(S510), the eccentricity is measured (S520) and it is determined
whether or not the measured eccentricity is equal to or greater
than the reference eccentricity (S530). When the measured
eccentricity is equal to or greater than the reference
eccentricity, the detangling cycle is carried out (S532). When the
measured eccentricity is less than the reference eccentricity, the
second temperature sensor 132 detects temperature of air in the tub
131 (S540) and outputs the detected temperature.
[0163] It is determined whether or not the temperature detected by
the second temperature sensor 132 is less than the reference
temperature, preferably, 50 degrees centigrade (S550). When the
detected temperature is less than the reference temperature, the
first auxiliary drying process is carried out such that the drum
motor 140 is driven within the first motor driving range, that is,
at high speed of 1000 RPM to 1200 RPM and temperature of air to be
supplied to the tub 131 is maintained within the first temperature
range T2 to T1, preferably, 110 degrees centigrade to 120 degrees
centigrade (S560). At this time, it is determined whether or not
the slope with respect to the temperature change detected by the
second temperature sensor 132 is greater than a predetermined
reference slope (S570). When the slope is equal to or greater than
the reference slope, the first auxiliary drying process is finished
and the next processes are carried out.
[0164] On the contrary, when the temperature detected by the second
temperature sensor 132 is equal to or greater than the reference
temperature, the first auxiliary drying process is not carried out
(S560) and the processes after the first auxiliary drying process
($560) are carried out.
[0165] This is carried out according to features of the laundry,
and is because, in a case of putting dry laundry or laundry that is
easily dried into the drum, the laundry may be damaged when high
temperature air is supplied for the predetermined times t1 and t2
like those in the first, second, and third preferred embodiments of
the present invention.
[0166] Thus, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention,
it is possible to perform the first auxiliary drying process for
the predetermined times t1 and t2 as well as based on the slope
with respect to temperature change. In this case, although the
first auxiliary drying process is carried out for the predetermined
time t1, if the slope with respect to the temperature change is
equal to or greater than the reference slope, the first auxiliary
drying process is not carried out further and the next processes
may be carried out even when the predetermined times t1 is not
elapsed. Thus, by performing the above-mentioned two drying
methods, time of the drying cycle can be reduced and the laundry
can be effectively dried without damage.
[0167] This is identical to when the second auxiliary drying
process is carried out (S600).
[0168] When the first auxiliary drying process (S560) is finished
or temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 132 is
less than the reference temperature, the first auxiliary drying
process (9560) is not carried out and the process of detecting the
quantity of laundry (S580) is carried out. At this time, from
experimental data obtained from repeated experiments, the expected
remaining time of the drying cycle corresponding to the detected
quantity of laundry is estimated and displayed on the display 180
(S590).
[0169] When the expected remaining time of the drying cycle is
displayed, the second auxiliary drying process is carried out as a
next process (S600).
[0170] In the second auxiliary drying process (S600), it is
determined whether or not the slope with respect to the temperature
change detected by the second temperature sensor 132 is equal to or
greater than the predetermined reference slope (S610), like the
first auxiliary drying process. When the slope with respect to the
temperature change is less than the reference slope, a process of
drying laundry is carried out by driving the drum motor 140 within
the second motor driving range, that is, at low speed of 40 RPM to
60 RPM and maintaining temperature of air to be supplied to the tub
131 within the first temperature range T2 to T1. When the slope
with respect to the temperature change is equal to or greater than
the reference slope, the next processes are carried out.
[0171] Next, the condensing water is supplied through the
condensing water supplying pipe 113 to remove moisture contained in
air during the condensing process, the condensed water is exhausted
to the exterior through the exhaust pipe 151 via the lower side of
the tub 131 by performing the supply of condensing water and the
exhaust of water (S620). When the supply of condensing water and
the exhaust of water are completed, the main drying step (S630) is
carried out.
[0172] In the main drying step (S630), the drum motor 140 is driven
within the second motor driving range, that is, at low speed of 40
RPM to 60 RPM and temperature of air to be supplied to the tub 131
is maintained within the second temperature range of T4 to T3,
preferably, 95 degrees centigrade to 105 degrees centigrade. The
main drying step is carried out until the expected remaining time
of the drying cycle has elapsed (S640 to S650).
[0173] Meanwhile, when the expected remaining time of the drying
cycle has elapsed, it is determined whether or not a drying rate
reaches a specific drying rate indicating the completion of drying.
When the drying rate reaches the specific drying rate, the drying
cycle is finished. When the drying rate does not reach the specific
drying rate, the main drying step (S630) is further carried out for
a predetermined time, for example, 10 minutes to 20 minutes (S640
to S650).
[0174] Drying rates in the first, second, third, and fourth
preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described
with reference to Table 1 as follows.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Drying rates according to the respective
preferred embodiments Weight of Weight Weight laundry of dry of
humid Drying after laundry laundry time drying Drying Item (Kg)
(Kg) (min) (Kg) rate (%) Conventional 5.02 9.03 300 5.55 90.45 art
Embodiment 1 4.99 9.03 223 5.19 96.05 Embodiments 5.02 9.03 180
5.25 95.70 2, 3, 4
[0175] The drying rates in the drying method according to the
preferred embodiments of the present invention and the convention
drying method will be described with reference to Table 1. At a
state when weight of humid laundry is 9.03 Kg in the respective
preferred embodiments of the present invention and in the
conventional drying method, the conventional drying method is
carried out. At this time, when the drying time of 300 minute has
elapsed, weight of dried laundry is 5.55 Kg. Thus, the drying rate
indicating weight of laundry after the drying with respect to
weight of dry laundry is 90.45%.
[0176] On the contrary, when the drying method according to the
first preferred embodiment of the present invention is carried out,
weight of laundry after the drying when the drying time of 223
minutes has elapsed is 5.19 Kg and the drying rate is 96.05%.
Moreover, when the drying methods according to the second, third,
and fourth preferred embodiments of the present invention are
carried out, weight of laundry after the drying when the drying
time of 180 minutes has elapsed is 5.25 Kg and the drying rate is
95.70%.
[0177] As described above, in comparison to the conventional drying
method, when the drying methods according to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention are carried out, a great deal
of moisture can be removed within a short time so that a high
drying rate can be achieved within a short time.
[0178] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and
substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying
claims.
[0179] According to the drying method of the present invention,
based on temperature of external air to be supplied into the tub,
RPM of the drum motor and switching on/off of the heater are
controlled to reduce time for drying laundry.
[0180] Moreover, it is possible to prevent laundry from damage due
to heat of air in the tub and power consumption can be reduced by
switching the heater on/off.
* * * * *